ACT Government Responds to Community Pressure with Major Pool Announcements
The ACT government has announced significant developments in Canberra's aquatic infrastructure, responding directly to months of community advocacy. In a move that addresses growing public concern over the future of swimming facilities in the capital, the government has committed to building a new Olympic-sized outdoor swimming pool in Woden while launching a search for a new site to replace diving facilities slated for closure.
New Olympic Pool for Woden and Diving Facility Investigation
Following extensive community consultation and mounting pressure, the government has confirmed that a new 50-metre outdoor swimming pool will be constructed in Woden. This decision comes as the outdoor pool at Phillip, currently owned by developer Geocon, is set to be redeveloped into apartments. While the new Phillip development will include a publicly accessible 25-metre indoor pool, the loss of the outdoor facility had sparked considerable community concern.
Simultaneously, the government has committed to investigating options for competition and recreational diving facilities elsewhere in the ACT. This follows a campaign by sports groups who rely on the deep diving pool at the Canberra Olympic Pool in the city centre, which faces closure as part of redevelopment plans. The replacement aquatic centre at Commonwealth Park will not include diving facilities due to site constraints.
Government Acknowledges Community Voice
Chief Minister Andrew Barr emphasized the government's responsiveness to community feedback, stating that Canberra's pools serve as essential community hubs. "Canberra doesn't have beaches, so our local pools are where many people go to cool off, where kids learn to swim, and where communities come together. We absolutely recognise how essential they are," Mr Barr said.
Sport and Recreation Minister Yvette Berry echoed this sentiment, highlighting the personal connections Canberrans have with their pools. "All of us have fond long-lasting memories at our pools. Whether it's jumping off the dive tower at Civic pool, enjoying the slides at Big Splash or a picnic at Manuka Pool, all of our pools private and public are important to our growing city," Ms Berry said. "We've heard Canberrans. None of us want our children to miss out on the great experience we've all had hanging out at one of Canberra's pools."
Consultation and Planning Details
Nearly 1,600 people participated in a survey as part of consultation for the new Canberra Aquatic Centre to be built at Commonwealth Park. The consultation report indicated broad support for a modern, inclusive facility that serves multiple community needs.
Infrastructure Canberra is preparing a business case for government consideration this year, refining what can be delivered within the allocated $137.8 million budget. The scope currently includes multiple pools, health and wellness spaces, and aims to establish a vibrant community hub.
Historical Context and Future Timeline
The Canberra Olympic Pool, known as the Civic pool, first opened in 1955 ahead of the Melbourne Olympics and has faced maintenance challenges including leaks. ACT Labor promised a new swimming pool in Commonwealth Park ahead of the 2024 election, with joint funding secured from the federal government.
Construction on the Commonwealth Park swimming pools is expected to begin in 2027. Meanwhile, the Woden pool site has a complex history, having been built by the Commonwealth government in 1971 and effectively sold by the ACT government in the early 1990s through a 99-year lease to its operator, who added an ice-skating rink.
The Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre, which Geocon purchased in late 2022, was described by its operator in 2017 as "nearing the end of its life." Territory planners approved the first stage of Geocon's redevelopment late last year, with future stages anticipated through additional development applications.
